Troubleshooting Power Issues on the Hopkins Agility Electric Brake Controller

Updated 04/30/2012 | Published 04/28/2012

Products Featured in This Question

10 Gauge Wire - Blue Primary - Per Foot

(104)

$1.84

Pollak Circuit Breaker - Cycling/Automatic Reset - 30 Amp - Straight Mount Bracket

(66)

$8.38

Hook Probe Circuit Tester

(60)

$12.41

Question:

when plugged in no lights or numbers. when applied yellow light comes on inside impulse. that is only thing that comes on

asked by: D R

Expert Reply:

It sounds like there is either no power going to the black power wire on the Hopkins Agility Brake Controller, # HM47295, or the power wire is connected to the wrong circuit.

I would recommend using a circuit tester, like part # PTW2993, to test the black wire coming from the brake controller. You should have 12-volt power at all times going to the brake controller from the vehicle battery. If you do not get a constant signal, then either the black power wire is not connected to a 12-volt power source, and you are only drawing power from the red brake switch wire when applying the brakes or the black wire is connected to the wrong circuit.

If the black wire is not connected to a constant 12-volt power source, then you can use a 10-gauge wire, # 10-1-1, and a 30 amp circuit breaker, # PK54530, to connect the black power wire to the positive terminal on the vehicle battery.

If you find the black wire is connected to the brake pedal switch, then disconnect that wire and use the same process above to connect the black wire to the vehicle battery. Next be sure you splice the red wire from the brake controller to the brake pedal switch circuit.

I have attached a video that demonstrates how to test for wire functionality under your dash using the circuit tester to ensure you are connecting the brake control wires to the proper circuits at the 7 minute and 24 second mark. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, the color of the wires could be different.

I have also attached two articles on brake controller installation that you may find helpful.